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Magic Predicted to Land NBA Starter Looking for 'Pay Raise' to Join Desmond Bane

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 11:28 PM ET

Many believe the Orlando Magic need an upgrade in the point guard position. While the team has Jalen Suggs, there's room for improvement by having a traditional facilitator on the team. Initial trade rumors have linked the Magic and Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young.

However, the recent trade the Magic had to acquire Desmond Bane might prevent them from executing such a deal. Orlando gave up four first-round picks, a 2029 first-round pick swap, Cole Anthony and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Without many assets, the team might not be able to fix a trade package for the Hawks.

However, there are still decent players they could target in free agency.

Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus predicted that the Magic might pursue Tyus Jones in free agency. Jones was the starting point guard for the Phoenix Suns last season, after signing a one-year, $3 million deal, less than what many thought he deserved.

Accoridng to Pincus, Jones might leave Phoenix and sign a better deal with a different franchise. Having someone like the former Duke guard would be beneficial for their stars, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. The 6-foot-1 floor general is someone who can set up his teammates easily while having a low-turnover rate.

"Jones is a borderline starter, a low-turnover guard who can shoot three at a high clip. He's also relatively small in height and stature, which can compromise a playoff defense," Pincus wrote.

"But he's super-stable, easy to fit on almost any team and looking for a pay raise after money ran dry last season, and he ended up with the Suns on the minimum... Everything he does well fits the Orlando Magic's needs. What he doesn't, the Magic provides with a big, tough, long physical roster," he added.

Pincus predicted that the Magic might use their tax mid-level exception, which could be a two-year, $11.6 million contract. Having an annual salary of almost $6 million will be an upgrade from his contract with the Suns.

Jones appeared in 81 games, averaging 10.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 5.3 assists. He averaged 1.1 turnovers with the Suns, the second time in his career when he averaged at least one turnover for the entire season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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